Intra-Zonal Differences in Roles among Gender in Farming Activities

Pratibha Singh,Poonam Tewari

doi:10.13189/ijrh.2013.010103

Abstract

Women of hill region play a crucial role in food production, processing and have a vital role in conservation and management of sustainable eco-system. The role of women in bringing sustainable agricultural development needs to be documented and certified so as to address the issues pertinent to women empowerment as well as rural development. An attempt has been made in the present study to assess the difference in the roles, responsibilities, access and control of gender in farming activities. Data was collected from 2100 respondents of Tarai and Bhabhar zone and Hill zone of Uttarakhand state. Participatory interview technique was used to collect gender specific data. Interview schedule with codification was used for collection of the data. Intra-zonal differences in farming activities revealed that in Tarai and Bhabhar zone of Uttarakhand state independent roles and complete responsibilities of men dominated in crop production and post harvest management activities whereas in Hill zone women had independent roles and complete responsibilities.

Highlights

The contribution of women in the economic development and social transformation are pivotal
Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar were selected from Tarai and Bhabhar zone and five districts namely Nainital, Almora, Champawat, Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal were selected from Hill zone
Intra-zonal differences in farming activities revealed that in Tarai and Bhabhar zone of Uttarakhand state independent roles and complete responsibilities of men dominated in crop production and post harvest management activities whereas in Hill zone independent roles and complete responsibilities of women dominated

Summary

Introduction

The contribution of women in the economic development and social transformation are pivotal. Rural women who are engaged in agriculture form 78 per cent of all women in regular work. Women have an active role and extensive involvement in crop production, livestock production, forest resource management and fishery processing. Lal and Khurana [2011] in their study on “Gender issues: Role of women in agriculture sector” highlighted that rural women are the major contributors in agriculture and its allied fields. Her work ranges from crop production, livestock production to cottage industry, from household and family maintenance activities to transporting water, fuel and fodder. Despite such a huge involvement, her contribution in national economy has yet not been recognized. Women’s equality is essential to a more holistic approach towards the process of development

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion